Jenson (Wild Men Book 4)

by Melissa Belle

  We were both only children who loved football. I wanted to play quarterback, and I ended up the starter on the Liberty Falls high school squad while Colton dreamed of being a tight end or wide receiver. His dad was his best friend while I called my biological father a sperm donor. Dee was a great stepfather, but he and my mom fought constantly. So I spent a lot of time at the Graham house where Olivia’s dad did his best to fill in any gaps, something I’m forever grateful for.

  Even so, I often felt lonely. Olivia was my touchstone and my closest confidante, but she couldn’t replace the hole in my heart for male companionship. And her brother and I never really clicked; I love Sheldon, but he and I never had much in common.

  But when we were at football camp that summer, Colton talked nonstop about his cousins—Dylan, Brayden, Ayden, and Cameron—and he promised he was going to make me a Wild boy too. He said they would unofficially adopt me into the fold. At the end of camp, Colton went home to Montana, and I returned to Pennsylvania. But we stayed in touch, and Colton kept true to his word. Once a year, he invited me to visit him in Montana. I met Dylan and Brayden right away, and Ayden and Cam flew out the second time I was in town.

  Despite the miles in between, the six of us became inseparable, and nothing—not high school, college, big football contracts, or women—ever tore us apart. Being part of the Wild pack changed my life. I love Colton like a brother. Other than Olivia, he’s the only one who knows my family secret, the whole story about my biological father. He’s also the one person in my inner circle who knows my true feelings for Olivia.

  “How was the first day of training camp?” I ask him as I help Kyle and Connor finish packing.

  “Man, it was brutal.” He exhales. “I loved getting back out there, but shit. I thought I’d kept in decent shape this off-season, but the body doesn’t lie. I’m fucking sore. And I’m on my way to do it all over again today.”

  “It will get easier,” I tell him. I still remember the two-a-days of practice, and how much my body ached. “You know, you adjust.”

  “Speaking of—how’s the new team? You started coaching already, right?”

  “Just day one. It was awesome.”

  “That’s great, J. You remember how you used to diagram plays for all of us when we’d practice together in Montana? You were always a genius at that shit.”

  “Genius is a stretch,” I say.

  “Not a stretch,” he insists. “You could work in the NFL if you wanted to. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Dyl and I would put in a word for you here if you ever wanted to move to L.A.”

  “You know I can’t do that. I can’t move that far away. Plus, coaching in the pros tends to be a twenty-four-seven job. And I’m not interested in being a workaholic.”

  “I know. Being a father comes first for you.” His tone is proud.

  It’s not only my sons that keep me in Pennsylvania. It’s the woman I just left a Division I football program for to coach at a Division III school. Most would call that a step down. I call coming home to Olivia the best decision I ever made.

  “I just want you to know the chance is always here for you if you want it.”

  “Thanks, Colt. I appreciate that. You know I’d love to boss you and Dylan around on the field.”

  “And the way you handled taking off the jersey…you were always a stud about dealing with the unexpected…” He trails off.

  I tried to get through the major derailment in my football plans gracefully, tried to insist that I wanted to walk away from the sport so I could major in sports psychology.

  And partially, that was true. I had won a full scholarship to college based on my 4.0 GPA and SAT scores; the football was a bonus. When I started at college, I hadn’t even known if I’d make the team.

  As it turned out, I played so well that I was tapped to be the starting quarterback even though I was only a freshman. But in the first game, a quarter and a half in, my career was over with one missed block on my blind side.

  Colton knows how much it stung when I blew out my knee. He knows the scar on my leg from the three surgeries I had to try to repair the damage doesn’t really fade with time. But I managed to convince him and his cousins that I was okay making the choice to stop playing. I never told him about the heartbreak I felt that last day at the doctor’s office when he told me I’d never again be able to stand behind center and risk taking another hit to my leg.

  I took the semester off and came home to Liberty Falls.

  For one reason—Olivia was there.

  I had two of my surgeries, plus hours of rehab, while living back with my mom and Dee.

  And Olivia was my sanctuary.

  She was still in high school, but she came over every day after school, and we spent hours talking and hanging out. She made me realize that Jenson the person was far more important to her than Jenson the football star. And I don’t know if she’ll ever realize how much that meant to me.

  I spent the entire fall rehabbing my knee in hopes of getting back on the football field, but it wasn’t meant to be. It hurt like hell to lose the ability to play competitively, but as I returned to school and got into the coaching side of football, I realized I enjoyed that nearly as much.

  “I always loved to dissect plays,” I say to Colton. “I’m looking forward to doing it with this new team.”

  “Cool. I’m excited to follow your season. So.” He pauses. “How else goes it in P.A.?” His question is casual, but his meaning anything but.

  “Going well.”

  “Yeah? Have you seen her?”

  “J, I went to a family party on night one.” I walk out of the room and away from little ears. “Of course I saw her.”

  “And? How was it?”

  “Same as always. Fantastic.”

  “All right,” he says with enthusiasm. “So did you tell her you’re moving there?”

  “Yes.”

  “And? Jesus, J, do I have to drag the story out of you? It’s not even daylight here, and I’m on my way to put my body through hell—help a guy out.”

  I roll my shoulders and take a seat at the kitchen table.

  “I don’t think Olivia trusts yet that this can work.”

  “She’ll come around once she realizes you’re dead serious.”

  “I hope so.” Done talking about Olivia and me, I don’t elaborate.

  Colton takes the cue. “How are the boys?”

  “One of them just said ‘motherfucker.’ Guess where he claims he learned it?”

  Long chuckle. “Sorry about that. I told him not to use it.”

  I laugh. “Any other news before you have to go?”

  “Yeah. Dylan’s charity has a meeting in Philly tomorrow on our one off-day this week. I’d go with him so I could hang with you, but Sky’s mom is in town. And Jasalie has a big meeting with an art gallery she can’t reschedule. So Dyl, because he hates doing these things alone, has convinced Brayden to go with him. He’s actually having his private plane make an extra stop in Montana to pick Bray up.”

  I grin. “Christ.”

  “I know. He’s so damn spoiled. Jasalie can’t stop teasing him for it.” Even as he jokes, Colton’s tone is filled with pride and affection.

  “Will they have time to meet me for lunch?”

  “Definitely. Dylan’s going to text you when he arrives; he wants to meet in Liberty Falls. He’s going to have a car service take him and Bray. And remember the Cougars are playing Philly in preseason. So we’ll see you in August. I’ll get tickets for you, Olivia, and the boys.”

  “That’s awesome, Colt. Thanks.”

  “Oh, by the way…something’s a little different with Dylan since you saw him last.”

  “Since Maine and the memorial for Ayden’s father? That was only a month ago.”

  “Yeah, well—” He trails off. “Look closely. That’s all I’ll say.”

  As soon as we hang up, Meghan texts that she’s stuck in a staff meeting at work, and she can’t pick up the bo
ys. Is it okay if they stay with me until tomorrow afternoon?

  I run my hand down my face. Not the news I want to hear today, especially so last-minute. Mom and Dee have left to visit his daughter, and they’re at least an hour away. Olivia’s dad has that luncheon with the neighboring town’s mayor, and her mom’s going also. Daphne’s probably home but…well, she and I have never been close. And Sheldon and Olivia are both at work.

  But I have about thirty minutes to pack up the boys and get to my board meeting on time. Missing the school’s announcement of my hiring would not be a good look.

  Not knowing what else to do, I reach for the phone.

  Olivia answers on the second ring. “Good morning and welcome to Union Bank. My name is Olivia. How can I help you?”

  “Olive.” I try to keep the panic out of my voice. “I hate to bother you at work. I didn’t know who else to call.”

  Chapter Seven

  Olivia

  Jenson hustles through the front doors of Union Bank with Kyle and Connor in tow. Both boys are wearing t-shirts and shorts and have adorable little backpacks over their shoulders.

  “Hi.” Jenson flashes me a quick grin, and my toes curl. His whole face lights up with gratitude, and he looks so sexy in that suit. His hair’s combed back neatly, and his green eyes sparkle. “Can’t tell you how much I appreciate this, Olive.”

  “It’s no problem. I gave Vivian a heads-up, so she’s expecting my little banking helpers to be here for the afternoon.” I hold out my arms and both boys let me envelop them in a hug.

  “Livia!” Kyle says, his eyes shining with joy. “I stole Connor’s bathing suit, and he screamed like he was being murdered! It was awesome!”

  “Wow. That sounds…intense.” I glance up at Jenson, who mouths “little troublemaker” at me.

  He ruffles Kyle’s hair. “But he won’t be doing anything like that in here, will you, Kyle?”

  Kyle shakes his head. “Nope. We’ll be good. We want to learn how to make money!”

  I point to the two extra chairs I’ve set up at my desk. “Okay—why don’t you both take a seat? You’ll each be on either side of me, and I’ll show you what I do here every day.”

  Connor’s already sitting down. He tosses his backpack onto my desk. “Ready, Livia!”

  Jenson’s gaze slides to mine. “Are you sure you can handle them and get anything done at the same time?”

  I put my hand on his arm. “Don’t worry! We’ll be fine. Good luck this afternoon. I’m so excited to hear about how it all goes.”

  He leans in close and whispers in my ear, “I’ll make it up to you.”

  My heart melts as he kisses Kyle and Connor on their heads. “Be good for Olivia, boys.”

  He shoots me a half-grin, and he’s gone.

  I turn to Kyle and Connor. “Who wants to find out the best ways to save up money for something you really want?”

  Two arms fly up in the air and wave at me excitedly.

  I smile as I sit down in between the two boys and open up my laptop.

  Keeping the attention of two very energetic five-year-olds is pretty much impossible. They sit politely for about ten minutes, and I give each of them a wallet. But Connor’s still mad about Kyle stealing his bathing suit, and he pokes Kyle behind my back, until finally, they end up chasing each other around my desk. I put a stop to the fun when Connor body-slides across my desk on his stomach in order to “take a short cut to get to Kyle.”

  I’ve given up on getting any work done until I discover the magic of markers. I set up Kyle and Connor with paper and a multitude of colored markers. They immediately quiet and start coloring.

  By the time Jenson returns to the bank later that afternoon, both boys are asleep with their heads in my lap and their exhausted bodies curled up in their chairs.

  Jenson takes in the scene and runs his hand through his hair. “That bad, huh?”

  “I admired you before for being an amazing father,” I say. “But now I think you and Meghan must be saints. I don’t know how you manage as single parents.”

  He kneels down next to me. “It’s a challenge,” he admits, his eyes shifting to his sons both peacefully asleep. “It changes your entire life. But it’s all good—okay, most of it’s good,” he adds with a grin.

  “How did everything go at the college?”

  “Great.” He pulls at his tie. “I’m ready to change out of this suit. But I like the people I met. I have to admit, though, I’m looking forward to getting back to the football part of my job tomorrow.”

  “I’m glad it went well.”

  He tilts his head in the direction of his sons. “These little animals must have worn you out. How can I repay you?”

  “I’ve actually got an idea. It’s silly, but we’ll have fun.”

  “I can’t believe that’s all you want,” Jenson says as we step inside my house. “Hang out with you at Bernie’s coffee house? That’s too easy.”

  I bump him with my hip. “We never hang out with Sheldon and Cara. Not in ages, anyway.”

  As Kyle and Connor run across my living room and over to the sliding glass door, I whisper into Jenson’s ear, “I thought by going to Bernie’s, we could start easing our relatives into the idea of…us. It could be like our first public date. Except only we’ll know.”

  Jenson’s eyes search mine like he’s looking to make sure I’m serious. He must be okay with what he finds because he gives me a thumbs up. “Bernie’s it is. And I found out this morning that Dylan and Brayden will be in town tomorrow.”

  “Gosh,” I say wistfully. “I haven’t seen those guys in so long. Except for the television screen on Sundays,” I add with a laugh.

  “I know. I wish you’d been at the Super Bowl with us.”

  “The Super Bowl!” Kyle rushes back over to us and jumps up and down. “Livia, did you watch the Super Bowl?”

  “I did, honey,” I say. What I don’t say is that I spent the aftermath of the win meticulously scanning the crowd for Jenson as the cameras panned the box where Dylan and Colton’s family and friends were gathered. “I thought maybe I’d see my two favorite boys on TV!”

  Connor’s eyes get big. “Did you see us, Livia? On the TV?”

  I glance over at Jenson, who winks. “Unfortunately, I didn’t,” I say, and Connor frowns. “But it was so hard to see everyone. I could have missed you.”

  “I bet maybe you did!” Kyle says. “We could have been on TV, right Daddy?”

  Jenson holds out the football he brought in from his truck. “Maybe. But remember, that’s not why Uncle Colt and Dylan play football. They do it because they love it. That’s what matters.”

  Kyle takes the football out of Jenson’s hands. “I love football too. Can we play before dinner?”

  “Not right now. I’m going to help Olivia cook.”

  But I shake my head. “I’m totally fine to do it. I’m just making grilled cheese.”

  “Grilled cheese is my favorite!” Connor says.

  “I know.” I pick him up and set him on my kitchen counter. “That’s why you’re going to help me make it.”

  “Cool.”

  Jenson heads into my backyard with Kyle to try and burn off some of the excess energy he swears Kyle was born with. I watch them through the bay window, feeling a sense of home I haven’t felt in my house before. It’s nice. It’s better than nice—it’s something I want all the time.

  I change out of my work suit and into a tank top and cut-offs before the four of us sit down and eat grilled cheese and hash browns.

  After dinner, we walk over to Cindy and Dee’s, and I read Kyle and Connor a bedtime story while Jenson changes out of his suit and into jeans and a fitted green t-shirt that matches his eyes. Both boys fall asleep in the middle of the book, and Jenson and I kiss them goodnight before tiptoeing out the door. Cindy and Dee are in the living room watching a movie, and they urge us to go out and have some fun.

  When Jenson and I arrive at Bernie’s, Sheldon and Car
a are already there, and Hayley and Max walk in right behind us. Jenson takes a seat next to me on the couch and puts his arm up on the back of it. Nobody thinks anything of it. We’re family, after all.

  I introduce Hayley and Max to Jenson.

  “So nice to meet you, Jenson. Olivia’s told me a lot about you,” Hayley says to him. “A lot, a lot.”

  I give her a hard stare, and she bats her long dark lashes at me innocently before she starts to ramble about her long day at work. “I mean, I’m a proofreader. That doesn’t sound stressful, right?”

  Jenson opens his mouth to answer her, but Hayley’s always been a talker, and she keeps right on going.

  “But it is. I get paid to make things right. Remember that if you ever need help with a problem.” Another look from me, and her blue eyes sparkle mischievously. “But it’s stressful because of the deadlines. And the clients don’t give a shit. They just want their crap. Well, except they don’t want it to be crap; they want it to be perfect.”

  “Do you freelance?” Jenson asks her.

  “Sometimes,” Hayley says. “But I also work full-time for a consulting company, because it’s steady work and I know what my paycheck’s going to look like every two weeks, you know?”

  Jenson concurs and then asks Max what he does for work. Max has just barely gotten out that he’s an illustrator when Sheldon interrupts. “So are you guys ready to party after Cara and I exchange vows?”

  “I’ll be at the bar,” Hayley says. “Same place I’ll be when Max and I finally tie the knot.”

  Max kisses Hayley’s cheek and tells her he can’t wait. I want to ask what they’re waiting for, but I don’t want to pry. Hayley’s always been very private about her wedding plans. I wouldn’t be surprised if she and Max went off one weekend and came back with rings on their fingers.